Awkward

Part Twenty-One

Zayn hangs up as soon as the words leave Liams mouth. He doesn't give him a second to say anything else. Zayn felt empty, he felt betrayed and lied to. Why would Liam go on dates with him and sleep at his house if he was married? Is Liam just a terrible husband? Zayn lit his previously put out joint and took a long hit.

His phone rang and rang and rang. Zayn stared at Liam's name on his screen and waited until the screen went dark then put it down on the counter top. His thoughts were loud and no matter how many hits he took, they weren't getting any quieter. His phone vibrated with an incoming text message. He opened it.

Liam

Zayn please call me, it's not at all what you think. We're separated. Please give me a chance to explain

Zayn

why didnt u just tell me

Liam

let me explain in person please can i come over

Zayn

k

Zayn sighed audibly as the joint went out and he put his phone down a final time. He didn't know what he was going to say or do when Liam got here. He only knew he didn't deserve this, he didn't deserve Liam not being completely honest with him.

Zayn walked from the kitchen into his living room and sat on the couch, laying back so he could stare at the ceiling. He sat there like that until he heard a knock at his door. Taking a deep breath, he got up and opened the door.

Liam looked as beautiful as ever, his dark red shirt making his eyes shine under the dim porch light.

"Zayn. I am so sorry." Liam spoke, as soon as the door swung open enough to reveal Zayn. He looked disheveled, his hair was messy from the constant touching. His shirt and pants fresh from the dryer clean but also wrinkled.

"Come in." Zayn spoke, opening the door and stepping back. Liam stepped in and they made their way to the couch.

"Tell me the truth Liam, what's going on? What are you doing?"

"I will, but just know I really never meant to hurt you." He paused. "I got married young, right after graduation. We were each other's first everything and thought we'd be together forever, we were so happy. But last year, he admitted to having gambling problems. After he gambled away our savings, I filed for divorce but he won't sign the papers so we're only legally separated."

"But you went to see him."

"I've been trying to convince him to sign the papers but he doesn't want to let me go. That's why I went to see him. You make me the happiest I've ever been. I don't want to lose you."

"Liam, this is a lot to take in. How do I know you're telling me the truth?"

"I am sorry I didn't tell you before. I wanted to on our first date but we were having such a great time and I couldn't find the right moment. Zayn, don't give up on me, please."

Zayn didn't know what to think.

--

Louis pressed his lips against Harry's as he moved his hands up to Harry's hair. He sighed against his lips when Harry kissed back, hands sliding to rest just above his bum. He could feel his cheeks warm. They stood there in Harrys living room kissing for a moment. Harry pulled away first.

"Are you hungry? I can make us eggs." Harry asked, he was hungry himself.

"Are you on the menu?" Louis asked shyly, looking at Harry through his eyelashes. He sucked his bottom lip into his mouth and he pressed his hips into Harrys.